New Dean Named for College of Business

Judith Hennessey, most recently interim dean of the College of Business and Economics, CSU, Northridge (CSUN), has been named dean of California State University, Chico’s College of Business.

Hennessey will start in her new position on Jan. 6, 2014. She will replace Julie Indvik, who has served as interim dean for the College of Business since August 2012.

“Dr. Hennessey has established a strong track record in fostering student success, supporting faculty research, developing strategic plans and expanding industry and community partnerships,” said CSU, Chico Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Belle Wei, in a message to campus. “Her extensive leadership experience and commitment to student success will help advance the mission of the College of Business as well as the University now and into the future.”

Prior to her interim dean position, Hennessey served as associate dean of CSUN’s College of Business and Economics for five years. From 1994 to 2007, she was chair of the CSUN Department of Marketing and has been a faculty member at the university since 1980.

Hennessey received her B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Louisville. She has professional memberships with the American Marketing Association, Marketing Educators’ Association, Association for Psychological Science, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Western Decision Science Institute and the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

“I feel privileged to be chosen to lead the College of Business as dean in this time when the University faces many new challenges and exciting possibilities for educating and supporting Chico State students for future success,” said Hennessey. “I am delighted by the potential I see in collaborating with the outstanding faculty, staff and alumni/friends from the College of Business at Chico State in setting paths for continued student success. My family and I are excited to begin our ‘Chico Experience’ in January.”